---
title: Unprofessional Text Messages Complicated Defensibility of a Malpractice Claim
description: This case study explores ways unprofessional text messages can complicate defensibility of a malpractice claim.
image: https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/doctor-using-mobile-phone-at-hospital.jpg
---

- [Sign In](https://secure.proassurance.com?hsLang=en-us)
- g

Search Site

[Contact Us](https://www.proassurance.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en-us): **844-466-7225**

[![PRA-MMI-Logo®-RGB](https://www.norcal-group.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PRA-MMI-Logo%C2%AE-RGB.png?width=215&height=62&name=PRA-MMI-Logo%C2%AE-RGB.png)](https://www.norcal-group.com?hsLang=en-us)

 

- [About](https://norcal-group.com/about) 
    - [About Us](https://norcal-group.com/about)
- [Coverages](https://norcal-group.com/state)
- [Claims](https://www.proassurance.com/report-a-claim/)
- [Resources](https://www.norcal-group.com/resources) 
    - [HIPAA Resources](https://proassurance.com/hipaa)
    - [Website Accessibility](https://proassurance.com/accessibility)
- [Pay](https://www.norcal-group.com/pay)

## [Resource Library](https://www.norcal-group.com/library?hsLang=en-us)

# Unprofessional Text Messages Complicated Defensibility of a Malpractice Claim

 May 19, 2023

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

The medical record is not the forum for blame, personal attacks, or finger pointing.1 Text messages relating to patient care should be considered part of the medical record (whether they are transferred to it or not), and the same rule about appropriateness of forum should apply. If something about patient care is important enough to be texted, it should be included in the medical record. If it is something that does not belong in the medical record, then it should not be texted. It seems clear that the members of the healthcare team texting each other in the following case study did not expect their text messages to be used against them in the malpractice lawsuit.

![doctor using mobile phone at hospital](https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/doctor-using-mobile-phone-at-hospital.jpg)

## Case File

### More Information About [Texting in Healthcare](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/patient-safety-and-liability-risks-associated-with-texting-in-healthcare-case-studies-and-best-practices?hsLang=en-us)

- [Patient Safety and Liability Risks Associated with Texting in Healthcare: Case Studies and Best Practices](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/patient-safety-and-liability-risks-associated-with-texting-in-healthcare-case-studies-and-best-practices?hsLang=en-us)
- **Case Study: Unprofessional Text Messages Complicated Defensibility of a Malpractice Claim**
- Case Study: [Deleted and Forgotten Text Messages Used to Impeach Testimony](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/deleted-and-forgotten-text-messages-used-to-impeach-testimony?hsLang=en-us)
- Case Study: [Contradictory Text Messages Contributed to Patient Misinterpretation of Care Instructions](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/contradictory-text-messages-contributed-to-patient-misinterpretation-of-care-instructions?hsLang=en-us)
- Case Study: [Poor Documentation of Text Messages Complicated Defense of a Malpractice Claim](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/poor-documentation-of-text-messages-complicated-defense-of-a-malpractice-claim?hsLang=en-us)
- Case Study: [Compromising Statements in Text Messages Complicated Defense of a Malpractice Claim](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/compromising-statements-in-text-messages-complicated-defense-of-a-malpractice-claim?hsLang=en-us)
- Best Practices: [HIPAA, HITECH, and Confidentiality Risks When Texting in Healthcare](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/hipaa-hitech-and-confidentiality-risks-when-texting-in-healthcare?hsLang=en-us)
- Best Practices: [Strategies for Reducing Distracted Practice Risks of Texting in Healthcare](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/strategies-for-reducing-distracted-practice-risks-of-texting-in-healthcare?hsLang=en-us)

*Issue: Unprofessional text messages complicated the defense of the malpractice claim.*

A complication occurred during surgery that resulted in the patient’s death. Two of the physicians on the surgical team carried on a lengthy text message conversation following the patient’s death. The text messages included:

- Admissions of liability
- Considerations of manipulating the facts to deflect fault from themselves
- Considerations of withholding knowledge about the cause of the complication
- Criticisms of the review and handling of the unanticipated outcome and anticipated handling of the malpractice claim
- Negative reviews of the peer review committee meeting
- Criticisms of the patient’s family
- Name-calling of hospital administrators

The text messages about hospital administrators included: “They are a bunch of bloodsuckers,” and “They are so STUPID!” One physician referred to the hospital as “a s**t show.”

## Discussion

Although the text messages were extensive, the medical record documentation was sparse. The combination of the lack of documentation that could have contributed to standard of care and lack of causation defenses, and the dangerous texts significantly diminished the defensibility of this claim.

## Risk Reduction Strategies

Consider the following risk management strategies:2

- Before you send a text message, imagine reading it as a third party. If the message reflects poorly on your character, contains negative comments about a patient, or comes across as unprofessional, do not send it. 
    - Avoid sarcasm and negative comments when discussing patients or colleagues.
    - Do not vent frustrations.
- Do not intersperse personal matters with text messages about patient care.
- Be cautious about how you respond to colleagues’ messages. Using a “like” or “laugh” emoji in response to a controversial or inflammatory message may come across as condoning your colleague’s behavior.
- Hold colleagues accountable for unacceptable text messages.

This content originally appeared in *Claims Rx*, our claims-based learning publication available in the searchable [*Claims Rx* Directory](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx?hsLang=en-us). For select releases, eligible insureds will also find instructions for obtaining CME credit.

## References

1. Dominique A. Pollara. “[What to Do When Things Go Bad: A Perspective from Defense Counsel](https://doi.org/10.1097/AIA.0000000000000255).” *International Anesthesiology Clinics*. 2020; 58(1): 56-58.

2. “[Text Messaging in the Workplace – Think Before You Send](https://www.hinklaw.com/blog/alerts/text-messaging-in-the-workplace-think-before-you-send/).” Hinkle Law Firm. 5/19/2020.

 Filed under: [Digital Health](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/digital-health), [Case Study](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/case-study), [Practice Manager](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/practice-manager), [Physician](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/physician), [Patient Care](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/patient-care), [Documentation](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/documentation), [culture of safety](https://www.norcal-group.com/library/topic/culture-of-safety)

###  Topics 

Please select Bad Outcomes & Complications Business Continuity Business Operations Community Health Consultations Cosmetic & Reconstructive Procedures Cultural Competency & Cultural Respect Cybersecurity Diagnosis & Testing Digital Practice Electronic Health Records (EHR) General Liability HIPAA Privacy & Confidentiality Industry Trends Information Security Informed Consent Leadership Litigation & Claims Marketing & Practice Building Medical Errors & Apology Medical Ethics Medical Records & Documentation Medication Errors Opioids Pain Management Patient Communication Patient Relationship Personal Finance & Career Philanthropy & Community Involvement Physician Burnout Physician Ratings Physician Wellness Practice Communication Practice Drift Practice Management Prescribing & Medication Public Relations & Communication Regulation & Compliance Reputation Management Unanticipated Outcomes Vicarious Liability

###  Specialties 

Please select Emergency Medicine Family Practice Mental & Behavioral Health Obstetrics & Gynecology Oncology Ophthalmology Orthopedics Pain Management Specialist Pediatrics Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Radiology

### Recently Added

Interested in NORCAL Group?

**Contact Your Agent/Broker** or call 844.4NORCAL today

* NORCAL Group, now part of ProAssurance, includes NORCAL Insurance Company and its affiliated companies.

[![AM Best](https://www.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Norcal_Mutual_Images/graphic_am-best.png)](https://www.norcal-group.com/ambest?hsLang=en-us)

- [About](https://norcal-group.com/about) 
    - [About Us](https://norcal-group.com/about)
- [Coverages](https://norcal-group.com/state)
- [Claims](https://www.proassurance.com/report-a-claim/)
- [Resources](https://www.norcal-group.com/resources) 
    - [HIPAA Resources](https://proassurance.com/hipaa)
    - [Website Accessibility](https://proassurance.com/accessibility)
- [Pay](https://www.norcal-group.com/pay)

© 2001 - 2024 ProAssurance  
All rights reserved

- [844-466-7225 ](tel:18444667225)
- [Privacy Policy](https://proassurancegroup.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en-us)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.norcal-group.com/terms?hsLang=en-us)
- [Website Accessibility](https://www.norcal-group.com/accessibility?hsLang=en-us)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "InsuranceAgency",
  "contactPoint" : {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "contactType" : "customer service",
    "telephone" : "1.844.466.7225"
  },
  "description" : "The NORCAL Group of companies provide medical professional liability insurance to physicians, health care extenders, medical groups, hospitals, community clinics and allied health care facilities throughout the country.",
  "foundingDate" : "1975-01-01",
  "foundingLocation" : "California",
  "legalName" : "NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company",
  "logo" : "https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Website/Logos/NORCAL-Group-Logo-X-18.png",
  "name" : "NORCAL Group",
  "potentialAction" : {
    "@type" : "SearchAction",
    "query-input" : "required name=search_term_string",
    "target" : "http://www.norcal-group.com/search?search={search_term_string}"
  },
  "subOrganization" : [ "Medicus", "FD Insurance", "NORCAL Specialty Insurance Company", "PMSLIC" ],
  "url" : "http://www.norcal-group.com"
}
```